This SC city is set to get a movie theater on the roof of a 7-story building. Here’s where
An outdoor movie theater atop a seven-story parking garage was recently proposed for downtown Greenville.
The idea has cleared some regulatory hurdles and awaits consideration by Greenville City Council.
Rooftop Cinema Club, which has theaters in eight major U.S. cities and London, is proposing to build the facility with two screens as well as dining and beverage service.
The audio is supplied by bluetooth headphones and the lighting is not expected to be a concern because it is so high up and the 25-foot screens will face the inside of the garage and the other is located in the center. The building overlooks the Governors School for the Humanities.
The developer describes it as a family-friendly environment with cult classics and fan favorites, as well as seasonal events such as screening “Hocus Pocus” during Halloween.
The business will also feature outdoor entertainment such as private events, film and television premieres, silent disco parties and sports live streaming.
It will likely close during colder months such as January for maintenance, the application said.
It will be located within the County Square development, a 37-acre redevelopment of the former Bell Tower Mall, which was turned into the Greenville County administrative offices.
The $1.1 billion mixed use project is being developed by RocaPoint, an Atlanta real estate company. The county government office building in the development opened in 2023..
“County Square will be home to various entertainment venues, retail, restaurants, shops, office, and multi-family uses. The rooftop cinema will remain consistent and compatible with this character, however, it will provide a unique entertainment opportunity of an outdoor cinema, nothing of the like located in Greenville, while also providing a panoramic view of downtown,” the application for a city zoning variance to operate after midnight said.
The zoning appeals board granted the request earlier this month.
The developer hopes to open in 2027.
As expected, the idea was met by criticism and praise on social media with one person saying, “Those chairs gonna be nasty. Bring a towel to put down on the seat folks” and another saying she has been to the roof top cinema in Houston and “It was so cool! They had corn hole, a food truck and other hangout spaces beyond just the movie section.”
Another said, “Who wants to be outside in the heat and then another, “What a wonderful fun idea!” And then came this: “Probably so high to watch a movie so the majority of Greenvillians won’t be able to afford it. Always stuff for the upper class, the minority of Greenville and nothing for the rest of us peasants. We need 50-11 other things here than a rooftop movie theater.